Langevin named head of new RIC Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Former Congressman Jim Langevin on Friday was named the head of a new Rhode Island College Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies — pending budget approval.

“I thank Congressman Langevin for his willingness to lend his national expertise to lead this effort — we are honored to have him as a partner in this exciting new Institute,” said Gov. Dan McKee.

McKee said he will formally submit this proposal to the General Assembly as an amendment to his fiscal year 2024 budget later Friday.

The institute will put Rhode Island College in the forefront in leading the region in “developing highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals,” explained McKee.

The governor’s office said that recent reports revealed that the need for workers in the cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly, adding that the field grew 250% worldwide between 2013 and 2021.

“The training needed to fill these important job needs can’t come soon enough,” said Langevin.

The institute will be housed in Rhode Island College’s School of Business.